‘Welcome to Derry’ Creators Explain Bold Choice for Shocking Ending
The new series, *It: Welcome to Derry*, introduces viewers to a chilling premise set in the infamous town. The show has received attention for its bold approach to storytelling, particularly its shocking opening scene. Establishing a new generation of characters, the series quickly reminds audiences that fear lurks around every corner.
Shocking Opening Scene Sets the Tone
The premiere features a harrowing sequence involving a young boy named Matty, portrayed by Miles Ekhardt. Matty attempts to escape Derry, only to encounter a terrifying manifestation of Pennywise. The scene escalates as it reveals a gruesome event: the birth of a blood-covered demonic baby that lunges at Matty, sealing his fate.
A Grim Fate for New Characters
The episode establishes a new group of characters, reminiscent of the original Losers’ Club. This includes Lilly (Clara Stack), Ronnie (Amanda Christine), Phil (Jack Molloy Legault), Teddy (Mikkal Karim-Fidler), and Susie (Matilda Legault). Throughout the episode, they seek to uncover Matty’s fate. However, the climax takes a dark turn as most of these new characters meet gruesome ends, leaving only Lilly and Ronnie to survive.
Creative Decisions Behind the Twist
The shocking decision to kill off many characters was kept secret until the pitch to HBO. Muschietti siblings, Barbara and Andy, along with showrunners Brad Caleb Kane and Jason Fuchs, decided to reveal the twist dramatically during their presentation. Fuchs recounted how they initially pitched a version where the kids survived, but they later added the twist to create a stronger impact.
- Characters Introduced:
- Matty (Miles Ekhardt) – Initial victim
- Lilly (Clara Stack) – Surviving protagonist
- Ronnie (Amanda Christine) – Surviving protagonist
- Phil (Jack Molloy Legault) – Character killed
- Teddy (Mikkal Karim-Fidler) – Character killed
- Susie (Matilda Legault) – Character killed
Setting Expectations for the Series
Andy Muschietti expressed that this shocking moment is designed to instill a sense of danger in the audience. He emphasized the strategic choice to eliminate beloved characters, aiming to captivate viewers with the message that nothing is safe in this eerie world. With Lilly and Ronnie as the last survivors of episode one, viewers are left questioning their fates as the series unfolds.
*It: Welcome to Derry* is currently available for streaming on HBO Max, and it promises to be a thrilling experience for horror aficionados.
